Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Ex-MLA Criticizes Lease of Malpe Harbour Land to MLA-Led Federation
A former politician is upset because the government is renting a piece of land by the sea in Malpe harbour to a fishing company.
The leader of this fishing company is also the current politician for Udupi.
The former politician believes this land should be used for tourism and community activities, not for a fishing business that might harm the environment or bother tourists.
He thinks it's unfair that the government approved this lease quickly for a company led by a politician when other community groups have asked for the land.
He is worried that the company might build things like fish factories that could cause problems.
He wants the government to cancel the rental agreement and give the land to a local committee that already works on developing the beach.
Former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat opposes the lease of 9.5 acres of Malpe harbour land.
The land is leased to the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation, chaired by current Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna.
Bhat alleges conflict of interest and questions the government's decision-making process, citing past rejections of opposition development proposals.
He argues the land should be used for tourism projects by the Malpe Beach Development Committee, citing prior recommendations for harbour expansion and community use.
Bhat warns the lease could lead to environmental concerns and harm tourism and local livelihoods due to potential commercial fisheries activities, demanding the lease's cancellation.
- Who
- Former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat is opposing the lease, while current Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna chairs the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation, which received the lease.
- What
- Controversy over the Karnataka Maritime Board's decision to lease 9.5 acres of land at Malpe harbour to a fisheries federation led by a sitting MLA.
- When
- The lease approval was finalized recently during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
- Where
- Malpe harbour, Udupi.
- Why
- Bhat alleges conflict of interest, misuse of public land for private/political gain, and potential negative environmental and economic impacts on tourism and local livelihoods, advocating for the land's use in tourism projects by the Malpe Beach Development Committee.
Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat
Current MLA Yashpal Suvarna (represented by Federation)
Land Allocation and Suitability
Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat
The land should not be leased to the fish marketing federation, especially as it was identified by a Union Minister for the fourth stage of the Malpe fishing harbour and has been requested by local bhajana mandalis for community activities. Bhat suggests transferring it to the Malpe Beach Development Committee for tourism projects.
Current MLA Yashpal Suvarna (represented by Federation)
The land is being leased to the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation, chaired by current Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna.
Government Decision-Making and Conflict of Interest
Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat
Bhat alleges the Congress government fast-tracked the lease approval for personal or political gains, questioning an 'internal understanding' between Congress leadership and Suvarna, especially when development proposals from the opposition are often rejected. He calls the decision 'illegal and anti-people'.
Current MLA Yashpal Suvarna (represented by Federation)
The lease approval was finalized during a Karnataka Maritime Board meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, indicating government sanction.
Potential Impact of Land Use
Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat
Leasing the land to the fisheries federation could lead to the establishment of fish meal/oil units or other commercial fisheries activities, causing environmental concerns, disrupting local livelihoods, and negatively impacting tourism and residents' daily lives.
Current MLA Yashpal Suvarna (represented by Federation)
The provided text does not explicitly state the intended use of the land by the federation, beyond it being a 'Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation'.
- Leased Land Area
- 37,554.55 sq m (approx. 9.5 acres)
- Location
- Malpe harbour, Udupi
- Leased To
- Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation Ltd
- Federation Chairman
- Current Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna
- Approving Body
- Karnataka Maritime Board
- Head of Approving Body
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
- Critic
- Former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat
- Infrastructure Investment
- Approx. Rs 8 crore (for tourist jetty, sea walk, parking)
